Acts 24 “We Shall Speak Again”

Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (v.25)

Paul here in chapter 24, was taken before the Roman procurator Felix. False accusations were flowing against him from envious, bitter Jewish leaders that resented Christianity. It was during this time that the Roman judge gave an audience to Paul's accusers.

Felix, however, was not ignorant of who Christians were (v.24), and what they were teaching. Perhaps, he had heard around the city about Christ, or how Christianity had been sweeping the countryside. He had his opinions about Christianity, but he was wise enough not to hear both sides.

Paul, instead of cowering under the authority of the man that was managing the affairs for the Romans, took the opportunity to talk to the ruler about spiritual things. The preacher spoke of living a righteous life, not indulging in sin, and about the judgments God would bring.

Even though Paul’s judge, as history tells us, was known for his cruelty, murders, and even considered himself licensed to commit any crime he desired, Paul did not waiver or hold back on any of the truths from the Word of God. Felix could have easily given the word, and Paul’s life would have been snuffed out; but Paul boldly preached on.

Paul’s message did affect Felix. Verse 25 records that the man trembled at what he had heard. His fear did not guide him to repentance, however. He dismissed Paul, and promised that they might speak again. He had the opportunity to be saved, but he put it off. Felix missed a time he could have been saved.

Many are so many like Felix, they hear the convicting message from the Word of God, it cuts deeply into their heart, conviction of past sins and it floods their memories. They often have the opportunity right there and then to confess Jesus as their Savior and to get their sins forgiven, but they put it off. “Tomorrow,” “Later," “Some other time.”

For some, that “other time” never comes. All too often they miss the last opportunity they had for salvation, and die lost, without Christ, and spend their eternity in hell. They often get so close to salvation, but miss an eternity with Jesus.

Never say “No,” to God’s provoking of your heart about anything, especially salvation. You may never have tomorrow!

The Truth: "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2) 

Acts 23 “Be of Good Cheer”

But on the night immediately following, the Lord stood at his side and said, ‘Take courage; for as you have solemnly witnessed to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.’” (v.11)

Back in chapter 22 Paul was giving a sermon to a large crowd in Jerusalem. He tells of his Jewish upbringing and background (v.3). He explained how he persecuted Christians (v.4-5). Then he begins to explain the supernatural experience he had on his way to Damascus (vv.6-11), and his response to that experience (vv.12-15). 

However, when Paul told the crowd that Jesus had spoken to him while in prayerful trance to, “leave Jerusalem for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me" (v.18), and "Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles" (v.21). The crowd then raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he is not fit to live!” Then, they cried out and tore off their clothes and threw dust into the air and began rioting (vv.22-23).

After this, Paul was placed in a Roman jail (for his own protection from the crowd), and was once again a prisoner in chains where we see a hint that he felt like hope was fading, probably remembering those who had warned him "not to go up to Jerusalem" (Acts 21:12). He had gone, but his decision now seemed less sure, because going had led to confinement and isolation, which left little opportunity for him to speak of His Lord.

It was at this low point in his life that the Lord appeared and told him, “Be of good cheer; you must also witness at Rome.” Loose translation, Paul would not "rot" in that place but instead, would eventually be sent to the capitol of the Roman Empire and witness to Cesar.

This reminds us that the LORD has a plan for ALL his children who are in the difficult circumstances in this life. No matter WHAT happens “be of good cheer.” the Lord LOVES you and will never leave you, nor forsake you! And, He has a plan for your life.

The Truth: “The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Psalm 46:7)

Acts 22 “You Will Be His Witnesses”

“You will be His witness to all people of what you have seen and heard.” (v.15)

Here in chapter 22 we get the story of Paul’s conversion. While not all conversions are as dramatic as his (a great light from heaven shone around him, he heard a voice speaking to him, he had a conversation with Jesus, and he was given a directive from Jesus saying, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there you will be told all things which are appointed for you to do' (vv.6-11), but all have the same effect, a changed life and a desire to tell others about it.

Every Christian has a story to tell. All of us have been rescued from a life of sin and disobedience, set free from the past to live a new life in Him. As such, we are not called to be a well-educated theologians but simply to be His witnesses - to tell others the story of our transformation and thus share the power of the gospel.

The Truth: “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Acts 21 “Thy Will Be Done”

And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” (vv.10-14)

In the spirit of Old Testament prophets, Agabus acted out his message to Paul – that certain danger awaited him at Jerusalem. The prophecy of Agabus was true, and genuinely from the Holy Spirit. But to this true word, a human application was added (they pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem v.21). That additional word was not of the Lord, otherwise Paul would have been disobedient to go to Jerusalem. 

Paul’s insistence on going to Jerusalem despite the dangers predicted by the Holy Spirit was not a result of rebellion, but an obedient response to the command of the Holy Spirit in his heart. He was bound in the spirit to go to Jerusalem (Acts 19:21 and 20:22). The warnings from the Holy Spirit here were intended to prepare Paul for what he was in for, not to stop him. Paul’s companions – including Luke – came to the understanding that God’s will would be done. They came to trust that even if Paul was probably right, and even if he was wrong, God would use it.

This reminds me of how others can unwittingly discourage us from doing the very thing that the Lord has called us to do!  Others can be blinded by their fears over what they think may happen - even if the outcome is known, as in this case (v.11), and potentially pull us away from His will. Paul's answer to his friends concern was, “I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus" (v.13).

Paul’s stand here should be an encouragement for us in times when the LORD calls us to go in a direction that others don’t understand or agree with. In those times, we like Paul need the determination to move forward, even though others may not want us to. The vital test of God’s will for us is, agreement with Him, not others. 

Thy will be done.

The Truth: “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) 

Acts 20 “Work Is A Blessing”

“You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me.” (v.34)

Paul WORKED for a living. He was a tentmaker (God gave him that trade), and he not only supported his own needs, but also contributed to the support of others. Just like Paul, many who serve the church today have day jobs, not everyone is “on staff”. Many who are not, have their ministries in the evenings, and on weekends. Either way, ministry is a blessing from God, and so are our jobs.

As a tentmaker, Paul led many to Christ and so can you. One does not have to be on staff to be used by God. Therefore, work as unto the LORD wherever God has you, ministering to your needs and to the needs of others.

The Truth

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-2)

Acts 19 "Ephesian Disciples Receive The Holy Spirit"

And he (Paul) said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” So they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus." (vv.3-5)

Paul was last in Ephesus on his way back from Corinth on his second missionary journey. Now he came from the east, arriving in Ephesus from the region of Phrygia. He came back to Ephesus as he had promised in Acts 18:21. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” (v.2). Apparently there was something about these disciples that prompted this question from Paul. We don’t have any indication that it was his custom to ask people if they had received the Holy Spirit when they believed.

These Ephesian disciples had only a basic understanding of the Messiah Jesus and His ministry, only what could be gained through the message of John the Baptist. Paul points out that John’s baptism was one of repentance (John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance), not necessarily faith unto salvation. John’s message pointed to Jesus, but did not take men there itself. One can imagine that these Ephesian disciples heard about the coming of the Messiah through John’s message, and they heard their need to be ready through repentance to receive the Messiah. Yet they actually do not seem to have heard that the Messiah had in fact come, and had not heard of their need to trust in His specific person and work.

"When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (v.5) Having been completely prepared by their response to the preaching of John the Baptist, they were ready to embrace Jesus fully, and were baptized in the name of Jesus. Then after they were baptized, Paul… laid hands on them, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and received His gifts. 

An often-debated question is, “Were these 12 Ephesian disciples actually Christians before this remarkable filling of the Holy Spirit, or not?” On the one hand, they were called disciples – and appeared to be part of the company of Christians in Ephesus, things that would not usually be said of them if they were not actually Christians. On the other hand, they knew so little about Jesus; and they were baptized in water again, this time in the name of Jesus. It is difficult to say with certainty if they were already Christians or not, but one can say with certainty that Paul perceived they lacked something of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

These Ephesian disciples sensed their need to get right with God, and knew the answer was in God’s Messiah – but they had gone no further than that. They need to go all the way, to trust in everything Jesus is and everything He had done, and to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

If someone doesn’t seem to know if they have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their life, it’s fair to assume that they don’t have it. If you have it, you should know it. Concerning the Holy Spirit Spurgeon writes, “Give a man an electric shock, and I warrant you he will know it; but if he has the Holy Ghost, he will know it much more.”

The Truth: And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38) 

Acts 18 “Search And Verify”

“They received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (v.11)

Today's text tells us that the Bereans were students of the WORD who studied scriptures to verify the truth. "They received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." In other words, the Bereans didn't simply believe what someone else was telling them. They also verified it on their own-on a daily basis.

That's important for us to consider as well. Whether we receive our Bible teaching through church, Sunday school, radio, or TV-we need to test what we hear against God's inspired Word (2 Tim.3:16-17). We are to "be diligent to present [ourselves] approved to God, rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2:15). If we do this, we won't become prey to those who teach "a different gospel," and those who "want to pervert the gospel of Christ" (Gal. 1:6-7), false teachers who come as wolves in sheep's clothing (Matt. 7:15).

This simple principle can be used in any situation in life. Remember, knowing what's true, is the first step in knowing what's false. Search and investigate the truth. Do not be fooled by sound bites or words that sound correct. Search and verify for truth, in both scripture and life. 

The Truth: "Examine everything carefully, hold fast to that which is good." (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Acts 17 “Seek Me”

"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising." (vv.24-29)

In today’s passage, Paul is giving a speech in Athens, a city filled with idols (v.16). He got the attention of some local philosophers–Epicureans and Stoics, and stressed to them the distinction between being religious and knowing the true God. Paul recognized that these philosophers had to change their ideas about God. They had to move from their own personal opinions to an understanding of who God is according to what He tells us about Himself in the Bible. He detailed how the “Unknown God," which they built an altar too, was the one true God who created the heavens and the earth (vv. 23-24).

Paul told them we are all descended from Adam through Noah, and that there is one God who created us all and to whom we all are obligated. Since God created us all, we should seek the Lord… though He is not far from each one of us. Why? Because in Him we live and move and have our being…For we are also His offspring: These two quotations Paul used from Greek poets are attributed respectively to Epimenides the Cretan [600 B.C.] (who Paul quotes again in Titus 1:12) and Aratus [310 B.C.]. Paul did not quote these men because they were prophets or because all their teaching was of God. He quoted them because these specific words reflected a Biblical truth, and by using them he could build a bridge to his pagan audience.

This God, he continued, is not “served by human hands” (v.25). In other words, God does not need us in order to survive. He made us and made the world—what could He need? Yet, in this passage, Paul revealed what God desires. God made all of this “so that men would seek him” (v.27). God loves us but He does not manipulate our minds and hearts. He made us with the capacity of choice, and it is His desire that we would want to know Him, to find Him, and to have a relationship with Him of our own free will. 

Our heritage, from the beginning, is directly linked to the divine Creator. It is natural, then, that since we are God’s offspring, we will want to find our image in Him. Only in God, not in our own accomplishments, can we find the source of our true identity. For we are His children, His handiwork, His poem. “For in him we live and move and have our being” (v. 28). And, Since we are His offspring, we are responsible to have right ideas about God, and therefore must reject the wrong idea that gold or silver or stone could represent God (v.29). 

In building an alter to the unknown God, the Athenians were acknowledging their ignorance to God, and Paul here has been giving them evidence of their ignorance, and now he declares (in the next few verses) such ignorance to be culpable, and boldly confronted them with the reality of coming judgment and the resurrection (vv.30-31). 

As you can probably imagine the reaction was mixed, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” This is His desire that man would hear more of Him, and truly seek Him. For the cure for all mans troubles is found in His desire, "Seek Me."

The Truth: “The Lord looks down from heaven upon the children of men, To see if there are any who understand, who seek God.” (Psalm 14:2) 

Acts 16 “Salvation Is Simple”

Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (v.30a)

The Philippian jailer asked one of the most significant questions in Scripture: “What must I do to be saved?” And Paul and Silas gave one of the most significant replies: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (vv. 30-31). 

It’s that simple!

The Truth: “If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10: 9-13)

Acts 15 “Resolve Conflict”

 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening of the churches. (vv.36-41).

In our passage today, we read about a disagreement that has lived on in history. This one was between two missionaries: Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15). Barnabas wanted to take Mark with them on a trip to check on some churches they had helped previously (v.37). But Paul did not trust Mark because of an earlier incident (v.38). Now Paul and Barnabas disagreed so sharply on this that we read, they parted from one another (v.39).

Sadly, this kind of thing happens way too often in the church, and in many cases is never resolved (Proverbs 18:19), but thank God in this case it didn't leave permanent relationship scars. For Paul later came to minister with John Mark and to value his contributions to the work of God (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 4:24; 2 Timothy 4:11). 

We don’t know if it was Mark who changed or Paul who changed. More than likely, God had a work to do in both of their hearts. But the point is, the contention was resolved. And not just outwardly, or on some superficial level, they ministered together later in life with the same heart and for the same purpose.

Arguments happen, and pride can get in our way. But let's make sure they are resolved. Grudges are a burden too heavy to carry and we can labor under them for years. Therefore, put them down at the feet of Jesus and allow Him to carry the weight.  

The Truth: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)

Acts 14 “Misguided Worship Rejected”

 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, 'The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.' And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes." (vv.11-13)

Paul and Barnabas performed one miracle (the healing of a man lame from birth), and the people are calling them gods. In Greek mythology, it was common for the gods to come to earth in human form, though they did not always do so for the good of man. The people of Lystra had a legend that once Zeus and Hermes visited their land disguised as mortals, and no one gave them any hospitality except for one older couple. In their anger at the people, Zeus and Hermes wiped out the whole population, except for the old couple. This may help explain why the Lystrians were so quick to honor Paul and Barnabas.

We also see in the later portion of our text (v.13) those same people went so far as to attempt a sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas. Yet, when Christ, the Son of God, appeared in the likeness of man, and did many miracles, men were far from wanting to sacrifice to Him. On the contrary, they made Him a sacrifice, claiming His miracles were done by the power of Satan.

The god of this world (satan) is the author of confusion and can so close the carnal mind of man to be blinded to the truth, but be willing to accept a lie. While some servants of God might have easily obtain these undue honors, Paul and Barnabas did not. They were more concerned with God's honor than their own. When the people spoke of worshiping them they could not bear it; "they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, Sirs, why do you these things" (v.15), rebuking the people for their misguided worship.

The longer I live, the more evidence I see of how satan is the author of confusion. One only has to watch the evening news to see that. The lines of right and wrong have become so blurred that they fad into the policies of humanism with no absolutes. Simply “doing what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6, 21:25), and believing a lie rather than the truth because it benefits them.  

But be of good cheer, for with God all things are possible. He is the answer to all that troubles us if we would recognize our sin, repent from it, and turn to Him as King to heal our land.   

The Truth: But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) 

Acts 13 “Blessing And Conflict”

“For so the LORD has commanded us: “I have set you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.” (v.47)

Here Paul is reminding the Jews in Antioch of their responsibility to the gentiles. Quoting from the book of Isaiah, Paul declares, “God made you a light to the gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.” This immediately causes both blessing and conflict.

For those who believed in God, this clearly defined their destiny. When they embraced that destiny, “the word of the LORD spread throughout the entire region” (v.49). However, some Jews were stirred up at this same word. They raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region (v.50).

Today we see these same divisions when it comes to sharing the gospel. Those who receive it are glad and those who reject it are stirred up. However, knowing our responsibility as believers, may we look for those appointments to speak the truth in love. The destiny of many people depends on it!

The Truth: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

Acts 12 "A Miraculous Deliverance

 “Constant prayer was offered to God for [Peter] by the church. (v.5) 

Chapter 12 describes a situation in which Peter's odds of survival were slim and none. He was, "bound with two chains between two soldiers" while others guarded the door of a prison (v.6). King Herod had already executed James, one of Jesus' closest followers, and he had the same fate in mind for Peter (v.1-3). Yet God's plan for Peter included a miraculous deliverance, one that even those who were interceding for him found hard to believe (v.11-13)

God can and does operate outside of human understanding. How? Through His omnipotent power. The One who loves us and gave Himself for us is in charge of our lives. In both ordinary circumstances and impossible situations, God can reveal His power. Whether we are showered with success or sustained in sorrow, He is with us. 

I have both seen and experienced the miraculous power of prayer both in my life and the lives of others. Prayer is powerful and we are told in scripture that, "The Lord is near to all who call upon His name, to all who call on Him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). Therefore, when we pray, let us be confident that God hears us, and  "is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Eph. 3:20). Then give the glory to God when it occurs.

The Truth: "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." (James 5:16)

Acts 11 “The Church In Antioch”

 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord." (vv.19-21)

At first, Christians scattered over the Roman Empire preached only to Jews. But they eventually began to preach Jesus Christ to Gentiles as well. 

Here in our text we read of some unnamed spiritual pioneers (v.20). These unnamed disciples from Cyprus and Cyrene began the first mentioned “mission to the Gentiles” (here called Hellenists) in Antioch.

Antioch was about 300 miles (480 kilometers) north of Jerusalem and about 20 miles (32 kilometers) inland from the Mediterranean Sea. So not exactly a short walk. Many considered Syrian Antioch the third greatest city in the Roman Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria. Antioch was known for its business and commerce, for its sophistication and culture, but also for its immorality. And it was here that these unnamed disciples began their mission.

Our text tells us that, "the hand of the LORD was with them." And because God was with these guys, their ministry was blessed and multiplied, resulting in a great number believing and turning to the Lord. 

This phrase, “believed and turned to the Lord” is a good description of the work of both faith and repentance. So much so that the news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem (some 300 miles away), and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch (v.22). 

At the church in Antioch, when Barnabas saw the grace of God (Gentiles turning to the LORD), he was glad. And, there was something in the work and atmosphere among the followers of Jesus in Antioch that made Barnabas able to see “the grace of God” present there.

Oh, that others would  be able to see the grace of God at work among us wherever we gather. That others would not see an emphasis on self, on man-made rules, on human performance – but on the glorious grace of God. 

The Truth: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 3:7) 

Acts 10 “LORD of All”

"There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always." (v.1-2)

Cornelius was a first-century Roman military official. He was assigned the task of maintaining order in the turbulent area of Judea. Most Romans of that time believed in many gods but, not Cornelius. He feared the one true God, gave generously to the needy, and prayed regularly (v.2). Even though the Jewish people didn't accept him as one of their own, God recognized him as one of His.

Because of Cornelius' faith, God chose him for a special assignment and sent an angel to tell him what to do. The angel didn't explain why, and he didn't say what the outcome would be, but Cornelius followed the instructions. Because he obeyed, he and his household became the first Gentile believers to receive the Holy Spirit (v.45). 

The example of Cornelius shows us that God has no partiality (v.34), He is not just the God of the Jews, but of the gentiles as well. His promises of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit are for all who believe. 

He truly is “The LORD of all.” (v.36)

The Truth: “Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:12-13)

Acts 9 “Saul’s Conversion”

 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (vv.3-6)

Somewhere outside of Damascus this (a light shone around him from heaven), suddenly happened to Saul. This spectacular event must be regarded as unusual. God does not normally confront sinners with a heavenly light and an audible voice from heaven. In Acts 22:6 Paul revealed that this happened at mid-day, when the sun shines at its brightest. Yet Paul said that this light was brighter than the sun (Acts 26:13). Saul’s reaction was simply to fall to the ground. This wasn’t because of honor or reverence for God, it was simply a reaction of survival – he was terrified at the heavenly light.

Then he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" When God repeats a name twice, it is to display deep emotion, but not necessarily anger (as in the Martha, Martha of Luke 10:41 and the Jerusalem, Jerusalem of Matthew 23:37). As the heavenly light overwhelmed him, Saul was confronted by the true nature of his crime: He persecuted God, not man. You see, Saul thought that he was serving God in viciously attacking Christians, but now discovered he was fighting God. Then Saul responded to the voice with two of the most important questions anyone can (and must) ask God. Who are You, Lord?… Lord, what do You want me to do? Wow! 

So now we see Saul, the most zealous persecutor of the church; about to be converted, baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and immediately begin preaching Christ in the synagogues. How did this happen? Somewhere along the 150-mile road between Jerusalem and Damascus, the one who was going to stamp out “the Way” was instead, stamped forever by the Lord Jesus. It was here on the road where Our LORD; called Saul, instructed him to go to Damascus, struck him with blindness (v.8), and brought Ananias to him there (vv.10-12).

Then Ananias, through instruction and encouragement by God (v.15-16) would; heal Saul’s blindness (v.18), see him filled with the Holy Spirit (v.17), baptize him (v.18), feed him (v.19) and watch as he immediately began to preach in the synagogues (v.20). Now that’s a conversion!

Saul’s conversion reminds us that God finds some who, by all appearance, are not looking for Him at all. Seeing how God reached Saul encourages us to believe that God can reach the people in our life that we think are very far from Him. We often give up on some people and think they will never come to Jesus; but the example of Saul shows God can reach anyone.

Therefore, continue to pray for those around you who are lost, for there is hope!

The Truth: “Then came the Word of the LORD to Jeremiah, saying, “I Am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:26-27)

Acts 8 “The Scattered Church Grows”

“Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the Word." (v.4)

Saul hated Christians. He did all he could to hurt the cause of Christ when he launched his intense persecution of the early followers of Jesus. But when they fled Jerusalem to escape persecution, they proclaimed the gospel everywhere they went. This caused the church to grow more rapidly, the opposite of what Saul intended.

The statement that they preached the word is misleading; the Greek expression does not necessarily mean more than shared the good news. We shouldn’t think then that those who left Jerusalem left as formal preachers. Most were “accidental missionaries” who talked about Jesus wherever they went. 

Therefore, we can be just like these early Christians. We can share the good news of what Jesus has done in our lives. Most people don’t come to Jesus through a professional preacher or an evangelist; they come to Jesus through people just like us. C.S. Spurgeon wrote, “In every church where there is really the power of the Spirit of God, the Lord will cause it to be spread abroad, more or less. He never means that a church should be like a nut shut up in a shell; nor like ointment enclosed in a box. The precious perfume of the gospel must be poured forth to sweeten the air.” 

For centuries, Christians have been hated and viciously opposed in many nations. But persecution has not destroyed Christianity. Even under the most dire circumstances it has not only survived but continues to grow, and forces of hell itself has not nor will not overcome it!

The Truth: "I also say to you that you are Peter, "And upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of hell will not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18)

Acts 7 "Steven's Death, A Great Witness"

"Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul." (vv.57-58) 

When Stephen declared that he saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God (v.56), it was too much. The Sanhedrin reacted quickly, violently, and together. For Stephen to suggest that the crucified Jesus stood in a position of authority at the right hand of God must have ranked as blasphemy in the thinking of those who knew that a crucified man died under the divine curse ("cursed is he who hangs on a tree"). Interestingly enough, Jesus stood before this same body of men and declared that He would sit at the right hand of God - they had the same reaction and sealed His death as a blasphemer (Matthew 26:64-66).

The reaction of the Sanhedrin seems extreme (they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord, ran at him, cast him out and stoned him), but is typical of those who reject God and are lost in spiritual insanity. They wailed in agony and covered their ears at the revelation of God, which they regarded as blasphemy. This out-of-control mob rushed at Stephen in order to kill him, which was done without regard for Roman law, but was performed according to traditional Jewish custom. 

Now Saul stood there as the supervisor of the operation. As a member of the Sanhedrin, he had also approved of Stephen’s execution. Saul fervently believed that Christians presented a menace and a threat to the religion which he had been trained in so thoroughly. This rabbi desired to prove his dedication to the traditions of his Jewish faith by becoming the chief persecutor of Christians. Yet God will eventually call Saul to become a powerful leader in the Christian faith. 

Stephen’s life ended in the same way it had been lived: In complete trust in God, believing that Jesus would take care of him in the life to come. Steven's last words, "Lord, do not charge them with this sin" (v.60) were used to touch the heart of a man who energetically agreed with his stoning – even though the man didn’t know the prayer would be later answered. 

Both in life and death, people around us will be watching to see how we as Christians handle our faith. Saul, who is specifically mentioned in attendance to Stephen’s death, became a living testimony to the effectiveness of prayer through his later conversion (9:17; 22:3-21). And Stephen, peacefully "fell asleep" while being stoned to death for speaking truth (v.60), demonstrating the Spirit's presence in his life which left a lasting impression on Saul.

Stephen is truly a model of great faith. Willing to testify of Christ and courageous to face persecution for the truth. When we get to heaven, we should thank Stephen for every blessing brought through the ministry of Saul of Tarsus. 

May our lives reflect the same courage to stand in the face of persecution when it comes.

The Truth: “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)

Acts 6 “Full Of Faith And Power”

And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. (vv.8-10)

Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people: God did great wonders and signs through the apostles; but also through others like Stephen, one of the servants chosen to help the widows. God used Stephen because he was full of faith and power.

Stephen debated with Jews from the Synagogue of the Freedmen. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, he showed greater wisdom than his opponents (they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke). There is no indication that Stephen – in himself – was smarter, better educated, or a better debater than these Jews. We should attribute his upper hand in the debate to the Spirit by which he spoke.

In today’s chapter, Stephen was falsely accused before the Jewish court. The scene looks similar to the trial of Jesus recorded in Matthew 26, including false witnesses and a hostile crowd. When given the opportunity to defend himself, Stephen defended God's work of salvation throughout history. The accused became the accuser who charged his audience with rebellion against God, which was displayed most definitively through their rejection of Christ.

The crowd's violent response (that of stoning him to death) confirmed the allegation. Even in death, Stephen was full of God’s grace. Following the example of Jesus, Stephen’s final words were an intercession for his enemies (Acts 7:60).

As believers in Christ, the same Spirit indwells us, leading and empowering us to bear fruit of great faith and the ministry of the gospel. An excellent modern day example of great faith unto death was that of Charlie Kirk. Despite the many threats against his life he continued in his calling answering any and all questions from young people with the Spirit of Truth and power, leaving all those who questioned him amazed at his wisdom and logic. RIP Charlie.

The Truth: “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” (Luke 6:27-28)

Acts 5 “Civil Disobedience”

“We (the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests) gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name! Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about Him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.” (v.28-29)

Civil disobedience was not uncommon in the Scriptures. The midwives in Egypt were commanded by the king to destroy all Jewish male children. They refused and God honored them (Ex.1:17). Against the King of Babylon’s command, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego did not bow their knees to the image of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:18). God blessed them and stood with them in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3:25). Daniel refused to stop praying three times a day, even though doing so was against the law. God honored him and saved him from the lion’s den (Daniel 6:10-22).

Here in chapter 5 we see another case of civil disobedience in the Bible. However regarding biblical civil disobedience, Jon Courson reminds us, “It must be carried out with scriptural authority and with humility.” In this chapter, the Angel of the Lord said to the apostles, “Go and speak in the temple” (v.20). In addition Jesus had told them (in Matthew), “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Matthew 28:19). Thus the disciples were following the Word of God but going against the orders of the high priest.

Even though God has placed men in positions of authority in order to maintain peace (Romans 13), if those authorities act contrary to Him, we must submit to God rather than man and take our lumps willingly. This the apostles did as they were beaten, commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let go (v.40-42)

Martin Luther King Jr., one of the most courageous leaders in recent American history, faced threats and opposition, eventually giving his life in the fight for civil rights. Fear, however, would not dissuade him. Being a minster of God, he knew civil disobedience must be carried out with humility and based in scripture. He was arrested over 30 times and took each arrest with humility while trusting God for his protection and dream. 

Trusting God in the face of risk requires us to see His protection over us even in the midst of danger.

The Truth: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) 

Acts 4 “Imprisoned For Preaching”

 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening.” (v.1-3)

Our text is a continuation of chapter 3 where we saw Peter (after healing 40-year-old man lame from birth) turn to the crowd and deliver a scolding message in Solomon’s Porch. His message that day accused all Israel of; delivering up Jesus to Pilate (v.13), denying Him (v.14), requesting a murderer be released (v.14), and consulting to the murder of Jesus whom God raised from the dead (v.15). Peter then went on to declare in chapter 3 that both he and John were witnesses to this and all Israel should repent of their sins (v.19).

Now here in chapter 4 we see the religious authorities (Sadducees) did not take kindly to this and threw them both in jail. The Sadducees were particularly offended in two ways. First by the teaching of the resurrection, which they denied and second by the fact that both Peter and John were, “lay people” instructing the masses who were clearly responding (v.4). After all, they (Sadducees) were the ones who acted on God’s behalf and spoke with His authority and could not imagine by what power or authority Peter and John were drawing from.

We should be encouraged by Peter and John's example. Being an effective witness does not require going to seminary! The most essential qualification for evangelism is available to every believer—reliance upon the Holy Spirit. Although a seminary degree is certainly appropriate for some ministries, God is more than happy to use “untrained” individuals with willing hearts.

The Truth: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” (John 14:26)

Acts 3 “Power In His Name”

Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” (v.6)

The crippled man who encountered Peter and John at the temple gate certainly didn’t do anything special to qualify for the miracle he received that day. He wasn’t even expecting much, just a coin or two. Instead, he was completely healed (v.16) and could walk for the first time in his life.

Since the beggar was a familiar sight around the temple, and since he was jumping around so excitedly, the healing created quite a scene. When Peter realized that the people were marveling at both he and John for what had been done, he immediately set them straight, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk” (v.13)?

Peter wasn’t looking for glory or to set up some healing ministry. He had only one message to deliver. Jesus of Nazareth, whom Israel had rejected and condemned, is God’s “Holy and Righteous One” (v.14) and in His name alone is the forgiveness of sins and the power to heal (v.16).

As Peter showed us here, the glory, honor and praise for any miracle bestowed belongs to the LORD, not to the instrument used. 

The Truth: “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17) 

Acts 2 “True Fellowship”

 "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." (v.42)

Genuine Christian fellowship involves much more than visiting over a cup of coffee in the church courtyard. While this is all well and good, true fellowship is loving one another, caring for one another, praying for one another, bearing one another's burdens, encouraging, instructing, and even rebuking one another in love so as to restore such a one back into fellowship.

In his book, “Why Christians Sin” J. Kirk Johnston tells about a young Russian woman who, before the collapse of the Iron Curtain, was allowed to visit her relatives in Canada. She was a devout Christian, and her friends assumed that she would defect and seek asylum in Canada or the US because of the religious oppression in the USSR. But they were wrong. She wanted to go back to her homeland.

This Russian woman said that people in the West were too busy acquiring material things and not concerned enough about personal relationships (outside of what they could do for them). In her homeland, Christian fellowship was essential to their faith because it provided the support and encouragement they so desperately needed. 

We too should have this same attitude of true fellowship toward one another. Ministering to those around us with support and encouragement through; a word, a meal, a prayer, a room, or some other direct form of involvement. Just as Jesus came to serve and not be served, we too should look for those opportunities to show His love.  

The Truth “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." (1 Peter 4:10)

Acts 1 “The Promised Holy Spirit”

He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (v.7-8a)

Here we have Jesus answering His disciples question concerning when He would restore the kingdom of Israel which was currently under Roman control. He does not give them a specific answer - no day or time, but stretches them to see that all events are under the loving control of God the Father. Meaning, there are some things we just will not know in this life. Therefore, we are to look to Him Who made all things and trust in His authority.

In the second part of our text, Jesus responds to their concerns (their prayer, actually), by promising them the power of the Holy Spirit. Having this inward comforter, they could “rest” in not needing to know everything and “know” that the power of His Spirit would be with them always. 

The same is true for us. To know the future is not precisely what we need. We need peace, rest, and the assurance that God is always with us. We can only find it in Him who holds the future in His hands. While answers to concerns are valuable and He often gives us such answers down the road, simply trusting in God and the comfort of His Spirit is infinitely better.

The Truth: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” (Psalm 28:7)

John 21 “Restoration Of Peter”

“Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” (vv.18-19)

Here Jesus spoke of Peter’s past, reminding him of his younger days when he had less responsibility and could do (more or less) as he pleased. Most of us know what these younger years were like. Jesus also spoke of Peter’s future, when another would bind him (gird you) and carry Peter to a place he would not want to go – a place with stretched out hands, crucified on a cross. It would be by this death he would glorify God. 

Ancient writers have documented that, about thirty-four years after this, Peter was crucified; and that he deemed it so glorious a thing to die for Christ that he begged to be crucified with his head downwards, not considering himself worthy to die in the same posture in which his Lord did. 

After speaking to Peter about his death, Jesus gave these last words to him, "Follow Me." Peter had followed Christ, but not continuously in the past. Scripture tells in Johns’ gospel that Peter even denied knowing Jesus three times shortly after His arrest in the garden, and he even went back to his former occupation of fishing. However he was later restored by Jesus at the Sea of Tiberias and called to follow steadfastly in the ways of the Lord and to Feed His Sheep (vv.15-25).

We too, despite our pasted, are to keep following Jesus. The command ‘Follow me’ is a present imperative, which literally means Keep on following me. Even though we may have denied Christ in the past, He knows His children - His Spirit calls us to repentance, and to keep following Him, giving our attention to; His Word, His calling, exhorting and serving others, and exercising the gifts God has given us. Then in so doing we like Peter become restored in Christ. 

Therefore, do not believe the lie from satan that you are too far from God, that you can never be restored. Like Peter you too can be restored, simply follow Him. 

The Truth: "Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. (1 Timothy 4:13-16)

John 20 “A Much Stronger Faith”

And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.” And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (vv.26-29)

After eight days: The idea here is that Jesus had an additional meeting with the disciples (now including Thomas) eight days after the first one. And again Jesus enters the room in the same mysterious and remarkable way in which He had before in verse 19 (the doors being shut, and stood in the midst). Jesus also gave the same greeting (Peace to you!). 

At this meeting Jesus grants Thomas the evidence he demanded in verse 25, "Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side." Jesus was not obligated to do this; He could have rightly demanded faith from Thomas on the basis of the reliable evidence from others. Yet in His mercy and kindness, Jesus gave Thomas what he asked for. 

Jesus then gives Thomas a command, "Do not be unbelieving, but believing." Jesus was generous and merciful to Thomas and his unbelief, but He did not praise his unbelief. Jesus wanted to move him from doubt and unbelief to faith. Because Thomas did not believe in the resurrected Jesus, Jesus considered him unbelieving. Thomas’ response was an immediate transition from declared unbelief (John 20:25) to radical belief (John 20:28). He addressed Jesus with titles of deity, calling Him Lord and God. It is also significant that Jesus accepted these titles, and did not tell Thomas, “Don’t call Me that.”

Peter later says to those who believed, “Whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9). 

The lesson here for us is, true faith comes from the reliance upon the Word of God, and not on the eyes of man. For trusting in what one sees is not trust at all, it requires no faith. But relying on God's Word, even when we can not see the outcome, is evidence of a much "stronger faith."

The Truth: But Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net.” (Luke 5:5)

John 19 “Crucified For Speaking Truth”

"So he (Pilate) delivered Him (Jesus) to them (the chief priests) to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led Him away.” (John 19:16)

Jesus was brought before Pilate for publicity speaking about the Kingdom of God, calling sinners to repent, and calling Himself the Son of God. According to Roman Law, He had broken no statute and was innocent. Therefore Pilate, (not wanting to have innocent blood on his hands) delivered him to the chief priests for their doing. They took Jesus and led him away to be crucified .

Death by Roman crucifixion was a result of the whole body weight being supported by the stretched arms of the victim. When nailed to the cross, there was a massive strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders often resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints. The rib cage was constrained in a fixed position, which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath. The victim would continually try to draw himself up by his feet to allow for inflation of the lungs enduring terrible pain in his feet and legs. The pain in the feet and legs would become so unbearable, that the victim was forced to trade breathing for pain and eventually die of suffocation. The length of time required to die from crucifixion could range from hours to a number of days.

The punishment of Roman crucifixion was chiefly inflicted on slaves and the worst kind of criminals. Crucifixion was considered a most shameful and disgraceful way to die and condemned Roman citizens were usually exempt from crucifixion. The manner and process of crucifixion was that after the criminal had been scourged and sentence had been pronounced, he carried his cross to the place of execution, which was just outside the city. (John 19:17) The criminal was next stripped of his clothes and nailed or bound to the cross. Before the nailing to the cross took place, a medicated cup of vinegar mixed with gall and myrrh (the sopor) was given, for the purpose of deadening the pangs of the sufferer. (Mark 15:23)

Roman Crucifixion was typically carried out by specialized teams, consisting of a commanding centurion and four soldiers. It was common to leave the body on the cross after death. However, it sometimes became necessary to break the legs of the criminal (as mentioned of the thieves in the Gospels) because Jewish law expressly forbid bodies to remain on the cross during the Sabbath day. 

Jesus died this death for you and for me, that we might have forgiveness of sin - through His atonement. He broke no law, He committed no crime, He spoke to all who would listen and loved all mankind. Yet He was murdered for speaking truth. 

The Truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

John 18 “He Is The Truth”

Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all.” (vv.37-38)

In our text Jesus' answer to this question, "Are You a king then?" interested Pilate. He didn’t mind religious leaders among the Jews, even crazy ones, as long as they kept the peace and did not challenge the rule of Rome. A rival king though might change the status quo, and Pilate wanted to investigate this. 

In His response Jesus did not deny that He was a king. In fact He insisted that He was born a king, and to be a different kind of King - The King of Truth. 

Pilate’s cynical response, "What is truth?" showed he thought Jesus’ claim to be a King of Truth was foolish, and that there was no truth in the kind of spiritual kingdom Jesus represented. For Pilate, soldiers and armies were truth, Rome was truth, Caesar was truth, and political power was truth. So in Pilate’s reasoning, there was no room for spiritual truth, let alone a spiritual kingdom.

This exchange with Jesus was the closest Pilate would come to life’s greatest discovery. The Roman politician had asked the right question of the right Person, and his answer was standing before him. But instead of falling to his knees in repentance, confession, and faith, he could only pass off the answer by concluding, “I find no fault in Him.”

Sooner or later, all of us will find ourselves in Pilate’s position, where we must decide what to do with the Man who claims what no other can claim—that He is the truth. Millions of people down through the centuries have found Jesus’ life, His words, and His resurrection to be convincing evidence of His credibility. And they have concluded that knowing the truth must begin with a personal relationship with Christ.

Have you found the answer to life’s most important question? If not, consider Jesus’ statement in John 14:6.

The Truth: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

John 17 “A Prayer of Unity”

“I pray for these men. But I am also praying for all people that will believe in me because of the teaching of these men. Father, I pray that all people that believe in me can be one.” (v.20-21)

Here Jesus is not only praying for His disciples but, also for all those who would come to believe in Him through them. That includes you and me. He looked beyond this first generation of believers and saw those whom the gospel would reach around the world. His prayer for them and for us, is that we would be unified as one. That we would believe God sent Jesus to be the Savior of mankind. Not just to the Jews, but the gentiles as well.

Therefore brothers and sisters we are one in Christ and should be united together in our service to Him in whatever He has called us to do. Charlie Kirk was one who did just that. A true believer in unity, he saw beyond the educational dogma of those who wish to indoctrinate the young and offered them another view through open discussion. He presented to all those who were searching for truth, an answer. 

Though his life was taken in hate, his legacy of love lives in the hearts of those he touched. His life was spent loving others and seeking to bring unity to a greatly divided culture. RIP Charlie, and thank you for your enduring example of Christian love. 

The Truth: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

John 16 "He Has Overcome The World"

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (v.33)

Here, hours before His crucifixion, Jesus has been reminding His disciples of all His previous assurances; His promises of peace, of courage, and victory over all the evil power of this world. Why? that they may find peace. He also reminds them that in this world (controlled by satin) they will have trials and tribulations and will be hated for His sake - persecuted, afflicted and tormented. But, He adds, “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Jesus did not promise peace; He offered it. He said, “that you may have peace.” People may follow Jesus yet deny themselves this peace. We gain the peace Jesus offered by finding it in Him. We won’t find real peace anywhere else other than in Jesus. He made the way to peace with God - "Having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:1)

Jesus also said, "In the world you shall have tribulation." Peace is offered to us, but tribulation is promised. When we become Christians we may bring fewer problems upon ourselves, but we definitely still have them. Understanding this removes a false hope. Struggling Christians often hope for the day when they will laugh at temptation and there will be one effortless victory after another. We are promised struggle as long as we are in this world; yet there is peace in Jesus.

In His statement, Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world: Jesus proclaimed the truth of His victory. This was an amazing statement from a man about to be arrested, forsaken, rejected, mocked, tortured and executed. Why? Because neither Judas, the religious authorities, Pilate, the crowd, the soldiers or even death and the grave could not overcome Him. Instead, Jesus could truly say, “I have overcome the world.” If it was true then, it’s even truer now. Therefore, be of good cheer!

The Truth: “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” (Revelation 12:10-11) 

John 15 “I Am The Vine”

“I am the vine, you are the branches: He that stays in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing.” (v.5)

Simply put Jesus is saying as long as we stay connected to Him (the vine), we (the branches) will remain spiritually nourished and bear fruit. But, break that connection and we will begin to spiritually wither and die, and like a broken branch, we will not blossom - bear fruit.

Staying in Jesus means digging into His Word and filling our hearts and minds with His nourishing truth. This strengthens our inner man and prepares us to share with others (as the spirit leads), feeding them from the fruit we have developed by abiding in Christ.

However, break that connection and we will be as useless as a fig tree without figs, or a grape vine without grapes. We can do nothing for Him because our witness, our testimony, our walk, has become lifeless, withered and unfruitful.

The Truth: “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” (John 15:4)

John 14 "I Am The Way"

 “Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.” (v.6)

Here Jesus is saying He is the way to heaven and all those who wish to go there, must come through Him. By His sacrifice, He became the way of salvation itself and there is no other name under heaven by which one can enter in.

Jesus is also declaring Himself to be the truth, meaning truth itself. He is the fulfillment of all the prophecies of the savior, the true way to eternal life purchased through His obedience to death, even the death of the cross. Furthermore,  Jesus is life, both the principle source of life, and life in the future world. He is the author and giver of life; natural, spiritual, and eternal.

Finally, He is the only way of access to the Father. There is no coming to God on our own merit or without a mediator. Christ is the only mediator between God and man, and there is no coming to the Father but by Him.

The Truth: "I Am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) 

John 13 “Love One Another””

“By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (v.35)

Jesus spoke of love often during His ministry, encouraging all His followers to; "Love the Lord their God with all their heart, all their soul and all their mind" (Matthew 22:31), to "Love your neighbor as yourselves" (Matthew 22:39); and even to “Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44).

Now Jesus is giving His disciples a new commandment, to  "love one another." Therefore, in light of Jesus's teachings (which His disciples bore witness to), this seems like a very strange command. Why would He feel the need to say this? The first part of our text gives us the answer, "All will know that you are My disciples, IF you have love for one another."

Love is the ID card of the Christian. It is the outward sign to those around us that we identify with Him. The Apostle Paul describes this kind of brotherly love in first letter to the Corinthians, "Love like this suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

This is the type of love which allows us to have peace in the middle of the storms and trials of life. This kind of love binds us together and draws others to it. May your life be marked with His love for others.

The Truth
"For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another." (1 John 3:11)

John 12 “Lazarus, A Living Testimony”

Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also because, on account of him, many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus." (vv.9-11) 

The chief priests were for the most part Sadducees (Acts 5:11). Their hostile attitude is shown in that, while no charge is brought against Lazarus, they took counsel on how they might kill him, and watched for their opportunity. Why? because his life was a living witness to the divinity of Jesus Christ, and a denial of their own doctrine that there is no resurrection (Acts 23:8). 

During this time many Jews were coming to Bethany, not only because Jesus was there, but to see the risen Lazarus as well. What a testimony he must have had. The truths he must have spoken giving honor and glory to God. As a result, Christ’s followers were increasing while the priests and Pharisees followers were decreasing. Therefore, they consulted to take the life of Lazarus and Jesus as well, to preserve their positions.

Today there are those who are consulting to kill the Gospel, trying to legislate God out of existence. But your changed life, your resurrected soul, can be a living witness to the power of the gospel. And like Lazarus, you can bring many to Christ by sharing your testimony of what God has done for you. 

The Truth: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16)

John 11 "Do You Believe?"

"Jesus said to her (Martha), I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. Believe you this?” (v.25-26)

Here Jesus is once again speaking to Martha of the resurrection. But this time He states, “I Am the resurrection." Signifying He is able to raise men from death to life and that He could do it now. Literally telling her not to worry, your brother Lazarus will rise. 

Martha is so grief stricken she does not make the connection. She believes in the resurrection of believers “in the last day”(v.24), but, did not see it as a possibility this day. However, from the moment Jesus heard Lazarus was sick He knew, “It was not unto death, but for the glory of God. That the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (v.4), and men would acknowledge Him for who He is.

Today many are sick unto death, but there is a remedy for all who believe. Just as Lazarus’s was raised from physical death and was resurrected to glorify the Father and the Son, so all who believe in Jesus may be resurrected from spiritual death to glorify the Son and the Father. Fro He has concurred sin, death, hell, and the grave (1 Corinthians 15:55-56). 

Thanks be to God!  

The Truth: Jesus spoke these words, lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.” (John 17:1)

John 10 "He Knows His Sheep"

 Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, “How long do You keep us in doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” (vv.24-29)

Here we see a hostile ambush of Jesus as He simply walked into the temple. The sense is that the Jews encircled him, preventing His escape with a hostile purpose. The religious leaders (once again described as the Jews) refused to listen to or believe in Jesus. The problem wasn’t that Jesus was unclear about who He was and where He came from. The problem was that the religious leaders had hearts of unbelief that they wanted to discredit Jesus. Yet, the works Jesus did demonstrated that He was from God, and that He was true to His word. 

The religious leaders wanted Jesus to speak plainly, and here He spoke more plainly than they probably wanted. Jesus previously told them they were not true shepherds (John 10:5, 10:8, 10:10, 10:12-13). Now Jesus tells them they were not even true sheep, because the Messiah’s sheep believe and hear His voice. Meaning, His people, those who believe He is the Son of God, hear and obey His Word - and He knows them. 

In Jesus’s day many people that followed Him were not of Him. Not being true believers they wanted something from Him; healing, food, to witness one of His miracles. But those who truly believed He knows, and gives them eternal life (v.28).

Some people today are still looking for something from God. In times of trouble they check-in with Him, even make a request of Him pretending to know Him. Oh they might even go to church on occasion. But, according to our passage, He does not know them. Why? because they do not believe in Him (v.26)  and neither do they hear His voice (v.27). 

The Truth: “The Lord knows those who are His.” (2 Timothy 2:19)